Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
Due to limited terrace ticket availability, access to the Pala d'Oro (Golden Altar) will be offered on select dates instead. This adjustment ensures you avoid long queues and still enjoy the basilica’s most treasured highlights during peak seasons.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 7 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive access to St. Mark's Basilica terraces
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Marks Basilica + Museum 24€)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Basilica di San Marco
Get special access into the pristine St. Mark’s Basilica, skipping past the long lines and straight into its opulent interior. Wander beneath the mosaics in the company of a local guide who’s especially skilled at reviving the past through storytelling and expert knowledge. Marvel at the mosaics and more of the basilica’s treasures, then take a walk out onto the balcony for a once-in-a-lifetime view overlooking Piazza San Marco, the Doge's Palace, and the Venetian lagoon.
Options
Exclusive Doge's Palace
Small Group: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry - 8 AM only
Private - Legendary Venice
Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—on a private guided tour.
Reviews
4,986 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
St. Mark's Basilica & The Doge Palace in 3 hours
Bernie H,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our family of four (two teenage boys) thoroughly enjoyed both attractions. Not having to queue and getting onto the terrace of St. Mark's Basilica was a massive bonus especially with two teenage boys! Our wonderful guide (Laura) was so passionate and knowledgeable and the use of the headphones made it very easy to hear her as there was so much information being passed on. Three hours is plenty to see both attractions and then to finish up going through the Bridge of Sighs was such a magical experience. Would highly recommend this tour!
Outstanding tour of St. Mark's and the Doge Palace!
Mark R,
Oct 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, understandable, and personal. The tour was packed with information and history. Having been to Venice once before, I can say that this tour really made all the difference in the world as I now have a much better understanding of the rich history of Venice.
A must see tour!
Peter B,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00A must see tour. We have the first tour in the morning, and the place to ourselves for the first hour. Denise was absolutely fantastic! She was well informed, and we felt like we knew her for years.
Great tour. Learned so...
Matthew S,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great tour. Learned so much about the history of Venice as well. Small group size allowed us to ask as many questions as we wanted.
What a lovely tour! Iole...
Danielle M,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00What a lovely tour! Iole was an excellent guide. So knowledgeable, organized, and welcoming. Clear meeting instructions and an amazing tour packed full of information. We would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone wanting more out of their visit to beautiful Italy.
Our tour guide Iole is...
Effendy C,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour guide Iole is very knowlegeable about St. Mark Basilica and Doge's Palace. She is also very considerate to take care of all of us, to make sure we have fast entry to Doge's Palace, photo-taking opportunities, timely toilet break and short sitting rest so we were all comfortable while following her tour.
Do the Doge
Madelaine J,
Oct 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Chiara was quite informed! Great knowledge of the vast history of the Venice. She made the best of bad weather day!
A Must See in Venice
Victoria P,
Oct 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very informative. Arianna was a wonderful guide. She made sure everyone was comfortable during the tour.
Venice St Marko tour
Ken M,
Oct 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour hits the two most amazing sites in Venice. A very thorough walk thru and explanation of the history and art descriptions. Nico is a superb guide.
Do it, you won’t regret it!!
Rick F,
Oct 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great tour with Roberta!! Very educated and enthusiastic!! Love this tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace! Learned alot!
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